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Ensuring Fuel System Integrity: The Future of Leak Detection with Acoustic Technology

August 01, 2024

In the rapidly changing field of fuel management, maintaining the integrity of your fueling system is crucial. Leaks compromise fuel quality, pose significant environmental risks and lead to costly operational disruptions. Our acoustic leak detection method is a highly effective, revolutionary solution for maintaining and securing fuel infrastructures.

Importance of controlling leaks

Ensuring there are no leaks in your fueling system is crucial for a number of reasons:

  • Preventing fuel from being contaminated with water guarantees the delivery of high-quality fuel to consumers
  • Avoiding pollution and potential shutdowns safeguards the environment and your business operations
  • Maintaining the overall integrity and functionality of your fueling system is essential for smooth operations and long-term sustainability
  • Adhering to regulatory standards helps you to avoid legal repercussions and fines
  • Demonstrating a commitment to safety and reliability protects your brand’s reputation

Acoustic leak detection process

The process begins with meticulous preparation to ensure accurate results. All tank-related activities, including fuel delivery and filling, are suspended. We ensure that all openings and gaps, including the filling line, vent, and suction lines, are securely closed to create a controlled testing environment.

Once preparation is complete, a specially designed coupler, which holds two sensors, is used to facilitate vacuum application. One sensor is placed within the liquid in the tank, while another is positioned in the air space above the liquid. This dual-sensor setup allows for comprehensive monitoring.

The background noise level inside the tank is measured and recorded to establish a reference value.

A vacuum is then used to create a controlled environment, essential for accurate leak detection. The background noise level is measured again, allowing for precise comparison of the noise level before and after the vacuum was applied. Significant discrepancies between the reference background and post-vacuum noise levels may indicate potential leaks. All readings are meticulously documented, and an inspection report is generated and printed on-site for immediate review.

Why choose SGS’s acoustic leak detection method?

More than 90% of leaks stem from accessories, fittings and joints, rather than the tank itself, and 95% of these leaks can be easily repaired by qualified pipefitters. This highlights the importance of comprehensive system checks and the efficiency of the acoustic method in identifying even the most minor vulnerabilities.

Widely recognized and approved, our acoustic method for leak detection is trustworthy and reliable, with many advantages:

  • It can be used to detect even the most minor leaks, providing you with a thorough assessment of your fueling system
  • The tank and associated pipes can be evaluated without being disconnected, streamlining the process
  • Tests can be conducted with the tank containing fuel at between 10% and 90% capacity, minimizing operational disruptions.
  • Fast, dependable results, along with onsite report generation and replay capabilities ensure accurate, thorough and dependable results and facilitate quick decision-making

The acoustic leak detection method is a game-changer in fuel system maintenance. Its precision in detecting even the tiniest leaks ensures your entire system's integrity, from the tank to the piping, and allows you to invest in the future of your fueling infrastructure by prioritizing safety, efficiency and reliability.

For further information, please contact:

Rick Baek
Industries & Environment
Industrial Inspections, Supply Chain & Material Testing
Business Manager
t: +1300 781 744

About SGS

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

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Australia